Exercising While Pregnant

 

A common fear of getting pregnant is the amount of weight you will gain with it. It is a justifiable fear. You will gain weight when you are pregnant and most people would rather not keep that extra weight. So what can you do to not gain a extra weight, help with labor, delivery, and get that weight off after? You can exercise during your pregnancy.

 

Exercising while pregnant is not a dangerous thing. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it. It is important to exercise and be active while pregnant. It can help with aches and pains and give you more stamina for labor and delivery. However, there are some things you need to know about exercising while pregnant.

 

1) Be aware of the signs of something that is not right. This would be things like spotting or bleeding, pain, fluid coming from your vagina, decreased fetal movement, rapid heart rate, dizziness, headache, chest pain, calf swelling, muscle weakness, or labor pains. If you are ever in pain or uncomfortable, stop exercising and see your doctor. Do exercises with caution.

 

2) If you are exercising before you get pregnant, you can do a similar workout once you are pregnant. Your body is used to it and it is okay to maintain that. However, if you are not exercising before pregnancy, do not pick up a vigorous exercise routine. Start slow.
 

 

3) Do not do exercises or do activities that can be harmful to you or your baby. These would include the following exercises and activities: activities that cause you to hold your breath, activities where you can fall (horseback riding, skiing, etc.), contact sports, any activity that could potential cause abdominal trauma, activities with lots of jumping, skipping, hopping, bouncing, running, etc., and activities with heavy weights. Others things you should not do are bounce while stretching, exercise in hot weather, waist twisting, or sit-ups, leg raises, knee bends, and toe-touches.

 

4) Choose activities that do not require a lot of coordination and balance as this will be off while pregnant.

 

5) If you are a runner you can continue running. However, your running should be moderate jogging.

 

6) The safest exercises include swimming, brisk walking, stationary cycling, elliptical machines, and low impact aerobics.
 

 

7) You should not participate in exercising if the following apply to you: your doctor does not recommend it, if you have asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, if you have bleeding or spotting, if you have a low placenta, if you have a threatened or recurrent miscarriage, if you have had previous premature babies or a history of early labor, or if you have a weak cervix.

 

8) Always consult your doctor first before doing exercises. Be aware of your body and listen to any warning signs. Exercising is very helpful while your pregnant because it keeps your body healthy and blood flowing, it helps during labor and delivery, and it helps you loose weight after your baby. However, make sure you are exercising correctly and taking the right precautions.

 

Stay healthy and active for you are your baby! It is important.

 

Until next time, 

Is Baby Detergent Necessary?

One of the first things that came to my mind once I started processing being pregnant and all that it would involve was laundry. I am awful at laundry. I hate doing it. It is not hard, but it is just a hassle and I would rather clean the bathroom than do laundry. Yuck. But once I started thinking of all the laundry that a baby has, I started thinking of detergents. My sister and sister-in-law both used Dreft with their kids so I decided to check out what detergent I needed to use when washing Brody's clothes. There were several questions I asked myself and others when looking into this.

 

Is baby detergent necessary?

Unless your baby has an allergy, then no, it is not absolutely necessary. Baby detergent is good for babies because they have sensitive skin. However, if they are not allergic to adult detergent, it will not hurt them to use adult detergent. Adult detergent also tends to get stains out better than baby detergent.

 

Why do they suggest using baby detergent?

It is suggested just because your baby's skin is very sensitive when they are newborns and infants. It helps prevent break outs that could happen if you used a more powerful detergent. If your baby does have sensitive skin, baby detergent usually helps with that.

 

How do I know if my baby has sensitive skin?

If you are in a debate over whether or not to use baby detergent or adult detergent, do a test. Wash a few articles of your baby's clothing in adult detergent and allow your baby to wear them. If it does not bother their skin wearing those clothes, they likely will be fine without baby detergent.

 

Is it better for them since adult detergent has more chemicals?

The chemicals will not hurt your baby if you are just washing their clothes in them (unless they are allergic). It is only harmful if ingested, like all other household products. Keep all chemicals out of the reach of your children.

 

Which baby detergent is best?

Dreft, All Baby, and Purex Baby detergents are the common ones you can find at places like
Wal-Mart. They are good and are sensitive. Dreft is pretty expensive. All Baby is cheaper and does the same job. Purex is the cheapest where we live. I personally like the way Purex Baby smells the best and the way it works the best.

 

You can also get all-natural detergents online. Here is one website you can look at for those. 

 

Should I make my baby's detergent?

It is totally up to you! If you want to, there are recipes out there that are supposedly safe for babies and sensitive skin that you can try. I have never done it so I do not know that it works for sure, but I have heard great things. It is also much cheaper!

 

 



 Happy Washing!

 

Until next time,  

 

 

Milestones: Month 4

Milestones are a big part of your baby's life. Don't get frantic if they don't hit a milestone at the exact time they suggest. However, if they continue not to hit that milestone, consult your pediatrician to make sure everything is okay. Here are month 4 milestones for your baby!

 

1) Smiling: Babies should be smiling a lot by 4 months. They should be able to smile at people when they play with them and enjoy playing.

2) Movements: Babies should be able to start to mimic movements and/or facial expressions of you or others.

3) Babble: Babies should begin to start babbling.

4) Cries: Babies generally start crying in different ways for hunger, sleepiness, upset, hurting, etc.

5) Response: Babies can now let you know better when they are happy or when they are sad. They can also respond more to affection.

6) Coordination: Babies should be reaching for toys and following toys with their eyes. They should also be able to hold a toy and/or bring it to their mouth.  They should also start shaking toys slightly.

7) Recognition: Babies should be able to recognize people and watch faces closely.

8) Head: Babies should be able to control their head steady without support.

9) Feet: Babies should start to be able to push down on a hard surface that is below their feet.

10) Rolling: Babies should start to roll over from tummy to back or be close to it.

11) Hands: Babies should start bringing their hands to their mouths.



12) Elbows: Babies should start or try to start getting on their elbows when on their tummy.

Remember, these are general and not all babies meet milestones at the same time. That's okay. Brody didn't crawl until after he walked and he is just fine. Do, however, consult your pediatrician if you see any of the following happening within your baby.

1) Don't watch things as they move
2) Don't smile at people
3) Can't hold their head steady
4) Don't coo or make any noises
5) Don't bring their hand to their mouth
6) Don't push down with feet when feet are placed on a hard surface
7) Has trouble moving eye(s) in any direction

Have fun watching your little one grow and develop! Treasure this time, it goes by quickly!

Until next time, 

 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is quickly approaching us! Congratulations on being a mommy this Mother's Day. Whether it is your first or your 51st, they are all wonderful! Being a mother is one of the greatest gifts a woman can receive.

 

As Mother's Day approaches I think about my mom. I am so thankful and grateful for her and what she means to me in my life. She is my best friend and I owe her so much and I love her with all my heart. This Mother's Day I wanted to do something different. I like to receive meaningful gifts from my son on Mother's Day, like things he makes or things that are more than just picking out a shirt on a rack. Therefore, I like to give meaningful gifts. If you are looking to do something like that for your mom this Mother's Day, here are a few ideas!

 

1) A wreath made by you! Mom's love things made by their children, no matter their age. Here are a few ideas.

   





 

 

2) Create something with your child for her. I guarantee she will love something from her grandbaby!

 

 

 

3) Take her out and treat her. Take her with just you and her and get your nails done, or go to lunch, or go shopping. Do whatever she enjoys doing!

 

 

4) Get her a piece of jewelry that represent something special.

 

 

5) Get her a basket of her favorite things.

 

6) Write her a sweet note.



 

7) Get her a good book and journal.

 

 

 

8) Make her favorite snack.

 

 

 

9) Send her text messages throughout the day with reasons why she is such a great mom.

 

10) Tell her how much you love her!

 

 

I hope you have a Happy Mother's Day and that you enjoy celebrating your mom as well!

 

To my mom: Happy Mother's Day and I love you!

 

Until next time, 



 



Things You Don't Say to a Pregnant Woman

Even though this post doesn't really have anything to do with products or babies or life after having a baby, I couldn't resist. This post makes me smile. Not because I liked it when people said some of these things to me, but because as someone who has been pregnant, I can look at these and go, Amen! I imagine you can too on most of these.

 

When I was pregnant, there were just certain things that would irritate me, hurt my feelings, or just annoy me if people said them to me. I think most pregnant women are in the same boat. However, I never told anyone that it did. I know their intentions were good and I didn't want to be rude. So even if you haven't been pregnant, are pregnant, or have been pregnant, think about these before saying them even if they don't bother you.

 

1) Are you sure you aren't having twins? or Good luck with twins! I have one and can't handle him!

To a pregnant women these means, man you are really fat. She already feels big enough, don't make her feel bigger! 

To tell a mommy that you can't handle one baby when they are having two will probably only heighten their anxiety about two babies. I am sure mommy is already nervous about it and she needs encouragement like "You can do this! You will be a great mom to twins because you are so.....(organized, loving, etc.)"

 

2) You look like you are about to explode!

Most mommies feel like saying, "Yes. I know my belly is huge, my face is swollen along with every other body part, and I look like an alien, but there is no need for you to tell me too!" If you think they look very large, good for you, but keep it to yourself.

 

3) My wife, mom, sister, friend, etc. never got as big as you with her pregnancies.

Do I need to even explain this one? Even woman is different and pregnancy is different for every woman and her body.

 

4) How are you feeling?

This one in and of itself is not a bad question. Most people honestly are caring about how you are feeling. That is awesome! This can just get tiresome for a mommy because she answers this question constantly. It is one of the most common pregnancy questions. Don't ask it every single time you see her. Chances are, she feels about the same she did yesterday when you saw her. Ask her every now and then.

 

5) Are you pregnant?
NEVER, never, I repeat, never ask this question. Under no circumstances do you ask a woman if she is pregnant. She may not be and then you are in a world of trouble. Just wait until you know for sure!

 

6) Get all the sleep you can now.

To be honest, I hated when people told me this because SO.MANY.PEOPLE. told me this. It is true, I do agree with them. However, it got really old, really quick. And to be honest with you, you cannot truly prepare someone for how tired they will truly be when they have a baby. Again, this is not a "bad" statement, but believe me, she has heard this advice many times already!

 

7) Enjoy everything now while you can!

I am conflicted on this statement. Yes I do think you should do things before the baby that are harder to do with a baby (big trips, big expenses, big decisions, being spontaneous, etc.) but, I also don't like this statement because it makes it seem as though you will never have fun again as a parent. Yes, it is more difficult to plan and do things, but it can be done! And it should be done. Just because you have a baby doesn't mean your fun will end or that it should end. It just looks different.

 

8) You are going to breastfeed right?

Not all mommies feel as though breastfeeding is the best option for them or their baby. Plus, not all mommies can breastfeed, even if they wanted to. If you are really interested, ask "Are you going to formula feed or breastfeed?" This is a much nicer way of getting your answer and doesn't put any guilt on the mommy.

 

9) Do not point out any ailments on mommy.

For example, do not point out that she has varicose veins, stretch marks, etc. I guarantee, she has already picked them out and is self-conscious of them.

 

 

10) I can't believe you are having a boy. I could see you with a girl better. (Or vice versa)

What a Debbie Downer comment. Maybe mommy seems like she would be better with the opposite gender, and maybe she is already feeling that way and doesn't need more thoughts that way. I guarantee that mommy will fall in love with her bundle of joy and adapt however she needs to.

 

Can I get an amen ladies!? I hope this helps those who just simply don't know to understand how things often come off to pregnant women. Remember, our hormones are going crazy! Give comments and/or advice with some caution and thought about the mommy!

 

 

Until next time, 



Determining if Your Baby Has Colic

     I know many tired mommies of baby's who cry and cry and cry. Besides the crying, their baby seems to be healthy in all other aspects. If this is true of your baby, your baby may have colic. It is one of the most common problems in babies.

 

What is colic? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, colic is "a clinical manifestation of normal emotional development, in which an infant has diminished capacity to regulate crying duration." Basically your baby cries a lot for no apparent reason and cannot be comforted during this time.

 

 

What are the signs of colic? Colic usually appears when the baby is 2-3 weeks old. A baby with colic will not only cry when they are wet, tired, or hungry, they will cry for long periods of time. They are often inconsolable.  They will often have clenched fists, legs flexed over its abdomen, arching back, flushing, a hard distended abdomen, regurgitation, passing of gas, and an active, grimacing, or “pain” face. It usually happens around the same time of day every day and is usually around late afternoon to evening time.

 

How long does colic usually last? Colic will usually peak around 6 weeks of age. By age 3-4 months, colic should be subsiding. By the age of 5 months, it should be totally gone. It will be a long few months, but try to figure out ways that soothes your baby during this time.

 

 

 

Will colic hurt my baby? No. Colic itself will not cause any long lasting damage. It is a hard and long journey for both you and your baby, but once you get through it, then it is over.

 

Why do some babies have colic and not others? They are not really sure. There could be many factors that play into it. Things like gender, when they were born in the family, breastfed or formula fed, digestive issues, etc. No one really knows for sure what causes it and some babies are more prone to it than others.

How can I help my baby with colic? 1) Check their bottle and make sure they are not gulping and getting air when they eat. 2) When you feed them, keep them as upright as you can. 3) Feed your baby before they are starving. This causes them to be franctic and gulp more and get more air. This makes colic worse. 4) Burp them often. 5) Try and rock them. 6) Create white noise with things such as a vacuum. 7) Place a warm towel on their abdomen. 8) Go for a car ride.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope that this helps you determine if your baby has colic. If you do think your baby has colic, I would recommend taking them to see your pediatrician just to double check. You can be on the safe side that it is not something more serious.

 

Until next time,